Well, well, well, Christmas is upon us again, and let me tell you, darling humans and furry-friends, this year’s holiday decor is coming in hot and making tails wag! Oh the smells of gingerbread with decor to back it up, pet themed Christmas trees paying honor to the 4-legged members of the family, and the handmade decor elements that make every home unique. The consensus is in – 2024 is the year of “pawsome” holiday decor. So, grab a cozy spot and settle in for a rundown of what’s trending in pet-approved Christmas design this season!
Now, before we dive into what’s happening this year, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. Humans have been decking their homes with festive cheer for centuries, and while the earliest Christmas decorations were simple, they carried all the warmth of the season. In medieval Europe, people began using evergreens to decorate their homes as a symbol of life and renewal. By the 1800s, Christmas trees became a popular symbol of the holiday, thanks to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who made the tree a stylish must-have. And from then on, well, it was only a matter of time before ornaments, lights, and eventually the Christmas decor extravaganza we know today began to evolve.
I was curious and set to find out when pet stockings actually made their way on the scene. Surprisingly, the tradition of including pets like us into Christmas celebrations isn’t entirely new. Pet stockings first appeared in the U.S. market in the 1950s and 60s, as pet ownership became a mainstream family affair. By the time the 1980s rolled around, pets were considered full-fledged family members, and no Christmas fireplace was complete without a stocking for every pet in the family too. Stockings filled with little toys, pet treats, and a Santa to chew. These days, pet stockings are available in every imaginable style, from plush velvet to rustic burlap, and they’re as essential to Christmas as stockings for the humans.
Let’s be real – gift-giving for pets has practically become a national pastime! Pet gifts have surged in popularity over the past few decades, with treats, toys, and festive outfits topping Santa’s list. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to create elaborate gift bags or boxes with everything from squeaky toys and scratchers to cozy winter sweaters and gourmet treats. There’s something about those wiggling tails and purring purrs that brings out the best in humans’ holiday generosity.
Another tradition making waves is the Christmas pet photoshoot. More and more families are coordinating holiday photos with their pets decked out in seasonal bandanas, reindeer antlers, and even matching pajamas. These furry photo-ops are often shared on social media, some pet families even send these as Christmas cards and others are blowing up adorable pet holiday photos and making them part of the family Christmas decor.
The holiday season is also a time for creating traditions that fur-families look forward to year after year. For many, Christmas morning isn’t complete until the pets have opened their gifts alongside everyone else. (And yes, many of them have learned to shred wrapping paper like pros.) Many humans even bake holiday treats specifically for their pets, using pet-safe ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, and oats, so everyone can indulge. The Gingerbread house, is making many family pets very happy this year.
Then, of course, there’s the decorating of pet spaces. Many humans are creating cozy Christmas spaces just for their pets, with pet-friendly trees, cozy blankets, and Christmas-themed beds. It’s no surprise that these traditions continue to grow – pets bring as much warmth to the holiday season as the best-loved decorations, and the season wouldn’t be complete without them.
Below I will explore my favorite emerging Christmas 2024 trends and what I love about them.
